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Historic Name

Collins Drug Store

Address

267 N 2nd Avenue
Upland, CA 91786

Evaluation

Building
5/10/2007

Construction Date

1910

Current Owner

Nelson A. & Magdaline R. Lacrosse

Current Owner Address

267 n 2nd ave
Upland, CA 91786

Description

Little has changed in the appearance of this one-story commercial building since a 1916 remodeling. Of brick construction, the building contains a single storefront. The deeply recessed central entry contains two wood and glass doors spanned by a transom. isp play cases with plate glass over marble bases step back from the sidewalk of a cloth awning and a small metal canopy, a transom of small square panes of glqss extends across the facade. A frieze zone is delineated by three corbeled courses below it and ornamentally staggered brick work atop it. The only alterations include the removal of a triangular parapet, cutting of vents, signage and the canopy. RESEARCH NOTES: Unusually detailed documentation allows the construction date of this building to be pinpointed at 1910. In 1909-10 J.M. Collins purchased the parcel from Dr. and William Craig who had owned several lots and a two-story dwelling on the block. The 1910 Los Angeles Builders and Contractor printed two notices of construction. On May 5, 1910 they noted that: "~ollins, proprietor of the Collins pharmacy, will erect a store building 20 x 70 feet in size on Second ave. It will have plate glass windows, pressed brick exterior and will cost about $2500.w Then on July 21, 1910, another item stated: I1John Gerry has the contract to erect the Harvey building and the Collins building in Upland ...[ It] will be 22 x 90 feet, to cost $2400. They will have pressed brick fronts, plate glass windows, composition roofs, skylights, lavatories and toilets. O.W. Hawkins drew the plans.

The city directories subsequently carried the entry "Collins Pharmacy, J.M. Collins prop. The Square Deal Drug Store, everything in the drug line, cigars, tobacco, etc." In 1916 Collins remodeled his store, extending its lot coverage, adding new show windows with marble bases, a tile floor entrance and modern equipment (Upland News 7/27/16). Collins sold the property to Orton P. Brady in 1919. Brady continued to operate a drug store at 267. Physician Arthur Weber also had an office space in the building, at 269 Second, accordina to the 1924 directory.